Applications are open for the2018 Young African Think’rs Convention (YATC). Think’rs convention is an annual three-day intense brainstorming and idea-generating summit where African youth from different nations gather and give input. With the aim of making youth participants in the decision-making and solution finding for Africa’s way forward, Think’rs convention gathers young people from different parts of the continent.

Through the discussion times at the convention, they hope to instill Agenda 2063 in the minds of the young leaders, and inspire action in those who are going to take on leadership positions. As a result of this, they hope to begin to utilize the untapped creativity of the youth to fuel the on-going transformation and realize the envisioned Africa.

This year’s convention themed, ‘Understanding and Owning Africa’s Cultural Identity’ will be tackling the need to understand and own the mentalities, lifestyles and daily cultures in the continent. By taking an intentional and critical look into the reality, they will take strides towards bringing about a renewal and transformation. This will touch upon the areas of identity, worldview and using the creative industry as an influencer.

The target participants in YATC 2018 are the culture shapers – essentially the creatives who have the power to rebrand perspectives through their artistic mediums (music, photography, design, writing, film, drama, poetry, blog…). At YATC 2018, the aim is to transform the minds of the influencers, empower them to start projects that incorporate specific messages so they will in turn influence the minds and thought patterns of their communities upon their return. The convention will feature sessions with mind-transformation experts and media professionals.

Benefits

Young African Think’rs will sponsor accommodation, transportation within the city, convention package, breakfast and lunch

*Few sponsorships for airfare will be available for exceptional applicants.

Eligibility

Ideal Candidate for YATC 2018:

Must be between ages of 15 – 35

Priority will be given to people in the creative media industry (film makers, photographers, designers, media personalities, journalists, bloggers…) and Social Workers/Youth Leaders (who lead a group (groups) of young people)

Must be able to show his/her demonstrated leadership

Is expected to cover their own airfare to and from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, necessary Visa Fee and dinner costs. (YAT will sponsor your accommodation, transportation within the city, convention package, breakfast and lunch) – *Few sponsorships for airfare will be available for exceptional applicants.

Application

**Applications are received on rolling basis, and will be closed when all available spots are filled. Final deadline however is August 6.